March 16th, 1751- June 28th, 1836 Terms of Office: March 4th 1809- March 3, 1817 Vice President(s): George Clinton, Elbridge Gerry Political Party: Democratic-Republican
Thesis: Fair and patient, James Madison proved to be a distinguished president in American history. A Democratic-Republican, Madison’s actions as president were important to the development of the United States; both asserting America’s right of neutrality and better establishing Democratic-Republican ideals in America. The stunning accomplishments and establishments made by James Madison allow him no less than the grade of an A.
Goals as President: Madison held some of the more ambitious goals when he became president. Although not obvious at first Madison developed many goals as his years in presidency passed. A major goal of Adams included America’s right to remain neutral and eventually going to war to maintain this self proclaimed right. Among other things Madison successfully established the second Bank of America and also suggested upon internal improvements to the constitution.
Madison’s biggest goal accomplishment during his two terms was the victory in the war of 1812 effectively establishing America’s right to remain neutral and not be punished. The origins of the war began with Britain seizing American goods and ships as retaliation for not supporting their cause against the French. Other factors included Indian unrest further encouraged by Britain and several Americans nick named “war hawks” for urging the nation into war seeing it as an opportunity to seize Canada. On June 1st, 1812 Madison spoke to Congress urging them into war for Britain’s unjust actions and on June 18th war was declared on Great Britain. After American success in the seas and strong resistance against British advancements on land both sides grew weary of war and started working towards a treaty. In 1814 the Treaty of Ghent was signed ending the war and returning land owned prior to the war back to their respective side. This treaty in the end effectively showed America wished to remain neutral and was willing to do whatever it takes to maintain this right.
Several unforeseen results followed the war which benefitted America greatly. The “Second War of Independence” (war of 1812) ended America’s economic dependence on Great Britain. Throughout the war when trade with Europe was suspended domestic industry began to form taking the country into its first steps towards becoming an industrial giant.
Another economic accomplishment was the addition of the second Bank of America. This bank was established with the support of Madison in 1816. The reasoning for this second Bank of America was to help the debt accumulated during the war.
His last notable accomplishment was his influential suggestion to congress. One of his last acts as president was the vetoing of a bill allowing federal funds to go towards the construction of highways and canals. Although the constructions would be very beneficial he believed that the money usage surpassed Congress’s rights and suggested an amendment be made in the future for such a bill.
President and Congress: Adam’s relationship with congress was relatively mutual due to the Democratic-Republic revolution during Jefferson’s era. Agreeing with most of Adam’s view points and values congress passed Madison’s charter for a second Bank of America. Conflict did arise, however, during the year of 1812. During this time rising conflict in the sea with the British provoking Americans left them to take to different actions and on June 18th war was declared on Great Britain. The decision to go to war badly divided the congress. The west voting to go to war at the prospect of more land if they won and the south also voted pro war due to the British hurting their economy by capturing their merchant ships. The north felt that the war was unnecessary and that the way were going about fighting this war was even more wrong. In the end of Adam’s second term they left mutual as the war had ended and Adam’s suggested amendments for the constitution to grant federal power to build roads and canals. Presidents Administration:
Adam’s administration over saw that two acts were established during Madison’s term. The first being the Non Intercourse Act which lead into Macon’s Bill No. 2. They saw failure on their Non Intercourse Act but corrected it and began to see more success on their second attempt with Macon’s Bill.
Simply put their Non Intercourse Act was a response to the hated embargo acts. The act stated that the United States was allowed to trade with all other nations except France and Britain. The United States promised to excuse either country from this act if they respected America’s right to remain neutral. Both France and Britain did not rely on the United States for trade, so in the end this just further hurt Americans as they still weren’t able to trade to major importers. In the end this act can be viewed with a negative outcome because it did not protect America’s neutrality right and was still hurting their economy.
Desperately needing some form of trade with either France or Britain Madison’s administration made Macon’s Bill No. 2. This bill stated that the first country between France and Britain to sign the bill would acknowledge America’s neutrality at sea and would be allowed to trade with America while the Non Intercourse Act would still be in effect against the country that didn’t sign first. France signed the bill first opening trade back up to the Americans.
President’s After Effects: Madison left many things up to the future. Madison’s largest after effect included the benefits from the war of 1812. During the war when trade was tight in America domestic production and factories began to form. This happened because British merchants could not undercut the colonial factories so they had time to grow and hold their own. When the treaty was signed America had begun taking its first step into industrialization. These steps are important because it was the beginning of what we are today. Also Madison led America into what is known as the Era of Good feelings. This period of time happened after the treaty ending the war of 1812 was signed. Madison's actions leading to the out come of the war greatly boosted American pride and nationalism that would have a lasting effect into the future.
Conclusion: Was the country better off with James Madison? Looking at the sweeping nationalism he inspired and steps towards economic independence, America was better off with James Madison in the end. When confronted with the over whelming problems of the time James Madison did what was needed and saw a majority of positive outcomes. Overall James Madison’s ability to fight for the right to remain neutral and set the country up for the prospect of economic success is why James Madison deserves his grade of an A.
Work Cited: Cohen, Lizabeth, and Thomas A. Bailey David M. Kennedy. The American Pageant, A History of the Republic (2002 12th Edition). 12th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2002. Print.
Degregorio, William A.. The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents, Seventh Edition (Complete Book of Us Presidents). 7 ed. Fort Lee: Barricade Books, 2009. Print.
Kelly, Martin. "James Madison - Fast Facts - Fourth President James Madison." American History From About. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2010.
James Madison
March 16th, 1751- June 28th, 1836
Terms of Office: March 4th 1809- March 3, 1817
Vice President(s): George Clinton, Elbridge Gerry
Political Party: Democratic-Republican
Thesis:
Fair and patient, James Madison proved to be a distinguished president in American history. A Democratic-Republican, Madison’s actions as president were important to the development of the United States; both asserting America’s right of neutrality and better establishing Democratic-Republican ideals in America. The stunning accomplishments and establishments made by James Madison allow him no less than the grade of an A.
Goals as President:
Madison held some of the more ambitious goals when he became president. Although not obvious at first Madison developed many goals as his years in presidency passed. A major goal of Adams included America’s right to remain neutral and eventually going to war to maintain this self proclaimed right. Among other things Madison successfully established the second Bank of America and also suggested upon internal improvements to the constitution.
Madison’s biggest goal accomplishment during his two terms was the victory in the war of 1812 effectively establishing America’s right to remain neutral and not be punished. The origins of the war began with Britain seizing American goods and ships as retaliation for not supporting their cause against the French. Other factors included Indian unrest further encouraged by Britain and several Americans nick named “war hawks” for urging the nation into war seeing it as an opportunity to seize Canada. On June 1st, 1812 Madison spoke to Congress urging them into war for Britain’s unjust actions and on June 18th war was declared on Great Britain. After American success in the seas and strong resistance against British advancements on land both sides grew weary of war and started working towards a treaty. In 1814 the Treaty of Ghent was signed ending the war and returning land owned prior to the war back to their respective side. This treaty in the end effectively showed America wished to remain neutral and was willing to do whatever it takes to maintain this right.
Several unforeseen results followed the war which benefitted America greatly. The “Second War of Independence” (war of 1812) ended America’s economic dependence on Great Britain. Throughout the war when trade with Europe was suspended domestic industry began to form taking the country into its first steps towards becoming an industrial giant.
Another economic accomplishment was the addition of the second Bank of America. This bank was established with the support of Madison in 1816. The reasoning for this second Bank of America was to help the debt accumulated during the war.
His last notable accomplishment was his influential suggestion to congress. One of his last acts as president was the vetoing of a bill allowing federal funds to go towards the construction of highways and canals. Although the constructions would be very beneficial he believed that the money usage surpassed Congress’s rights and suggested an amendment be made in the future for such a bill.
President and Congress:
Adam’s relationship with congress was relatively mutual due to the Democratic-Republic revolution during Jefferson’s era. Agreeing with most of Adam’s view points and values congress passed Madison’s charter for a second Bank of America. Conflict did arise, however, during the year of 1812. During this time rising conflict in the sea with the British provoking Americans left them to take to different actions and on June 18th war was declared on Great Britain. The decision to go to war badly divided the congress. The west voting to go to war at the prospect of more land if they won and the south also voted pro war due to the British hurting their economy by capturing their merchant ships. The north felt that the war was unnecessary and that the way were going about fighting this war was even more wrong. In the end of Adam’s second term they left mutual as the war had ended and Adam’s suggested amendments for the constitution to grant federal power to build roads and canals.
Presidents Administration:
Adam’s administration over saw that two acts were established during Madison’s term. The first being the Non Intercourse Act which lead into Macon’s Bill No. 2. They saw failure on their Non Intercourse Act but corrected it and began to see more success on their second attempt with Macon’s Bill.
Simply put their Non Intercourse Act was a response to the hated embargo acts. The act stated that the United States was allowed to trade with all other nations except France and Britain. The United States promised to excuse either country from this act if they respected America’s right to remain neutral. Both France and Britain did not rely on the United States for trade, so in the end this just further hurt Americans as they still weren’t able to trade to major importers. In the end this act can be viewed with a negative outcome because it did not protect America’s neutrality right and was still hurting their economy.
Desperately needing some form of trade with either France or Britain Madison’s administration made Macon’s Bill No. 2. This bill stated that the first country between France and Britain to sign the bill would acknowledge America’s neutrality at sea and would be allowed to trade with America while the Non Intercourse Act would still be in effect against the country that didn’t sign first. France signed the bill first opening trade back up to the Americans.
President’s After Effects:
Madison left many things up to the future. Madison’s largest after effect included the benefits from the war of 1812. During the war when trade was tight in America domestic production and factories began to form. This happened because British merchants could not undercut the colonial factories so they had time to grow and hold their own. When the treaty was signed America had begun taking its first step into industrialization. These steps are important because it was the beginning of what we are today. Also Madison led America into what is known as the Era of Good feelings. This period of time happened after the treaty ending the war of 1812 was signed. Madison's actions leading to the out come of the war greatly boosted American pride and nationalism that would have a lasting effect into the future.
Conclusion:
Was the country better off with James Madison? Looking at the sweeping nationalism he inspired and steps towards economic independence, America was better off with James Madison in the end. When confronted with the over whelming problems of the time James Madison did what was needed and saw a majority of positive outcomes. Overall James Madison’s ability to fight for the right to remain neutral and set the country up for the prospect of economic success is why James Madison deserves his grade of an A.
Work Cited:
Cohen, Lizabeth, and Thomas A. Bailey David M. Kennedy. The American Pageant, A History of the Republic (2002 12th Edition). 12th ed. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2002. Print.
Degregorio, William A.. The Complete Book of U.S. Presidents, Seventh Edition (Complete Book of Us Presidents). 7 ed. Fort Lee: Barricade Books, 2009. Print.
Kelly, Martin. "James Madison - Fast Facts - Fourth President James Madison." American History From About. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Feb. 2010.